Practice Innovation Specialist

Thompson Hine LLP, an AmLaw 200 firm, is seeking a Practice Innovation Specialist to join any of the following locations: Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Silicon Valley, or Washington D.C. offices . The Practice Innovation Specialist will partner with the Innovation Team and practice group leadership to drive the assessment, development, adoption, and integration of legal technology solutions with a particular focus on AI and large language model technologies. Reporting to the Chief Practice Innovation Officer, and working closely with the Chief Information Officer, the Specialist will serve as product and project manager for tool evaluation, configuration, and deployment across legal and administrative use cases, while acting as a subject matter expert on the firm’s broader innovation toolkit. This role requires a blend of technical acumen, business analysis, change management skills, and the ability to communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Facilitate the implementation of innovation initiatives and related practice technology utilized by practitioners, including but not limited to contract analysis software, document automation tools, e-signature software, client collaboration tools, task management tools, data visualization dashboards, and transaction management solutions. Collaborate with the Chief Practice Innovation Officer and Chief Information Officer to assess, evaluate, and recommend potential innovation tool acquisitions, including conducting market research and preparing comparative analyses. Serve as product/project manager for the development, configuration, and/or implementation of innovation tools, particularly those leveraging OpenAI’s GPT or other large language models, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget. Guide lawyers and staff in customizing and leveraging innovation tools including AI solutions to address specific practice needs, designing workflows and providing hands‑on support. Organize and manage trials, pilots and POCs for new innovation tools the Firm is considering. Evaluate workflows and technology usage across legal and business services teams to identify gaps and recommend technology‑enabled or process‑based improvements. Develop deep expertise in technology and workflow solutions relevant to the Firm’s practice areas. Prepare and deliver presentations, demonstrations, and training sessions to internal groups, highlighting the benefits, functionalities, and best practices for the firm’s innovation tools. Lead change management initiatives to drive adoption of legal technology solutions, including working with Talent Management team to develop training programs, communicate benefits to stakeholders, and proactively address resistance or barriers. Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, user guides, and support materials for innovation tools. Monitor, analyze, and report on innovation tool adoption, usage, user satisfaction, and performance metrics, identifying barriers and developing strategies to maximize engagement. Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of the firm’s full suite of innovation tools, as well as emerging technologies and best practices in legal technology and artificial intelligence. Provide technical support and troubleshooting assistance to users, escalating issues as necessary to IT or vendor support. Collaborate with vendors and internal stakeholders to develop and refine innovation tool features, integrations, and use cases. Support the development and continuous improvement of policies, templates, and processes related to innovation tool usage and management. Participate in firm‑wide and practice group meetings, trainings, and other forums to promote innovation initiatives and gather feedback from users.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and/or Experience Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or technical certification preferred. 5‑7 years of experience in a professional, consulting, legal services, or technology environment, with a focus on product or project management, technology implementation, or innovation initiatives. Experience with artificial intelligence, large language models, or legal technology tools strongly preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Passion for leveraging practice innovation solutions to improve processes and outcomes. Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non‑technical audiences. Strong project management skills, including experience with project management tools. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously. High level of technical proficiency, including familiarity with AI tools, workflow automation, and data analysis. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to work collaboratively with all levels of the organization, including senior leadership, attorneys, and administrative staff. Customer service orientation and a commitment to delivering high‑quality support and solutions. Self‑motivated, results‑driven, and able to work independently with minimal supervision. Ability to analyze data and use findings to implement process improvements. Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and new technologies. Experience preparing and delivering presentations and training sessions. Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, Visio, and other standard business software. Compensation is determined upon the market in which the position is located, the responsibilities of the position, the experience and skills of the applicant, and other job‑related factors. The estimated salary ranges for these locations are the following: Cleveland is $97,743 to $146,614, Chicago is $103,487 to $155,231, Los Angeles is $110,585 to $165,877, New York is $115,323 to $172,985, and Silicon Valley is $121,680 to $182,521. Thompson Hine LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer that offers competitive wages, and a robust benefits package. Benefit offerings include, but are not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as Paid Time Off (PTO). Thompson Hine EEO Policy #J-18808-Ljbffr Thompson Hine LLP